Arda leads Madrid to a clear win and puts pressure on Barça and Atlético

Arda led Madrid through an eighth symphony, scoring and assisting in a convincing win that puts pressure on Barça and Atlético. Valencia held firm for half an hour, then unravelled after the opening goal made it 0-1. Arda Güler took the opportunity to strengthen his importance at Real Madrid.

In a playmaking role reminiscent of Özil in his early days, the Turk produced an outstanding assist to complete the victory. Madrid, growing more solid with each match, are relying on a formula Mourinho has been refining since the Metropolitano. Mourinho fielded what is beginning to look like his strongest side for this game. Madrid also had the chance to climb to the top of the table, pending what happened at the Metropolitano.

Madrid started with intensity but came up against the familiar challenge of playing in Valencia. With Pepelu at centre-back, five defenders and Mayol in midfield alongside Guido and Guerra, Aguirre instructed his side to press off the ball and look for direct counterattacks. Valencia kept Madrid under control for half an hour, allowing no easy shots. Mayol even created the best chance after winning the ball from Tchouaméni, but his shot went just wide of the post. Courtois then made the decisive stop, described in the match account as a miraculous intervention.

Madrid moved the ball patiently, extended their spells of possession and found an opening down the left. Bellingham reached the byline; Mbappé could not get on the end of the ball, and Arda turned it in from close range. The 0-1 unsettled Valencia, who conceded a second goal soon afterwards. Valverde had earlier driven a hard, low shot beyond Dimitrievski’s reach. Before the break, Arda and then Diomande had a double chance: Dimitrievski saved the first effort, while Diomande missed the second.

Madrid went on to enjoy more possession and create clear chances, while Valencia appeared close to surrendering after making changes. The emphatic win underlines Arda’s growing importance to the team and leaves Madrid applying pressure on Barça and Atlético.